A dramatic seven-run win over SAGE Falcons crowns Lucknow Shernis the inaugural UP Women’s Premier League champions
Lucknow: In the City of Nawabs, a new sporting roar has found its voice. Lucknow Shernis etched their names into history, lifting the inaugural UP Women’s Premier League title after a gripping seven-run victory over SAGE Falcons in a final that had everything—early setbacks, a stunning recovery, mounting pressure and a dramatic finish.
Organised by the Cricket Association Lucknow (CAL), the tournament ran from September 23 to 28, giving women cricketers from the region a stage to compete in a high-pressure T20 environment. Despite rain disrupting the league phase and forcing a compressed schedule, the competition produced several standout performances and ended with a final worthy of its pioneering status.
From Rain Trouble to Knockout Drama
Rain repeatedly interrupted the league stage, washing out some matches and reducing others. With points tightly contested, Lucknow Shernis, SAGE Falcons and REPL Challengers emerged among the leading sides heading into the playoffs.
The semi-finals brought sharper competition. Lucknow Shernis overwhelmed Nawabi Queens in a rain-affected 18-over contest. Nawabi Queens managed 89/8, with Priyanshi Pandey top-scoring with 33. Shernis chased the target in just 15.1 overs, reaching 90/4. Ayushi Srivastava anchored the chase with a composed 33, while Sanvi Bhatia and unbeaten Katyayani Pathak provided valuable support.
In the second semi-final, SAGE Falcons defeated REPL Challengers by 13 runs. Falcons posted 104/6, powered by Arju Singh’s 42 and Sonali Singh’s 32, before their bowlers held their nerve to set up a title clash with Shernis.
Ayushi and Katyayani Turn the Final Around
At the Sage Ground, SAGE Falcons won the toss and opted to field. Shernis’ innings began on a shaky note. Opener Anshu Tiwari retired hurt after scoring nine, Vagisha Singh departed cheaply and Sanvi Bhatia’s 10 left the team at 33.
Then came the partnership that transformed the final.
Ayushi Srivastava and Katyayani Pathak launched a counter-attack, adding 89 runs for the third wicket. Pathak struck 31 from 29 balls, including two fours and two sixes, before departing. Srivastava stayed until the end, producing a superb unbeaten 57 off 36 balls, decorated with eight boundaries.
Their partnership carried Shernis to 114/6 in 20 overs. Archana Yadav stood out for Falcons with a four-wicket haul, but Shernis had secured the kind of total that could put pressure on a chasing side.
Falcons Fight, Shernis Hold Their Nerve
SAGE Falcons began their chase with confidence. Arju Singh’s fluent 40 from 42 balls, including five fours and a six, combined with Sonali Singh’s 30 to keep the contest finely balanced.
But as the required rate increased, Shernis tightened their grip. Their bowlers attacked at the crucial stage, with Sanvi Bhatia producing a match-changing spell of 3/19 in the death overs. Key wickets arrived just when Falcons needed acceleration.
Falcons eventually finished at 107/7, falling seven runs short of the championship target.
Stars of a Historic Season
Ayushi Srivastava was named Player of the Match for her decisive unbeaten innings, while Katyayani Pathak earned Player of the League honours. Arju Singh was recognised as Best Batter, Priyanshi Yadav of REPL Challengers as Best Bowler and Payal Chaurasia for Best Catch.
Uttar Pradesh Sports Minister Girish Chandra Yadav presented the trophies and prizes in the presence of CAL officials, including president Dr Navneet Sehgal. In another boost for emerging talent, a Mumbai-based industrial house announced sponsorship for further training of standout players Arju Singh and Priyanshi Yadav.
